Watch Killing Richard Glossip

Killing Richard Glossip is an intense, thought-provoking docu-series released in early 2017 by Investigation Discovery (ID). It delves into the complex and controversial case revolving around Richard Glossip, a man on Oklahoma’s death row who maintains his innocence, even after two trials that found him guilty of a crime he vehemently denies committing.

In 1997, Glossip was convicted of orchestrating the murder of his employer, Barry Van Treese. Despite the physical act being committed by a coworker, Justin Sneed, the notion was posited that Glossip manipulated Sneed into committing the murder, triggering his legal downfall. Sneed received a life sentence in exchange for his testimony against Glossip, which was the most substantial evidence in a perplexing case that lacked any significant physical evidence directly incriminating Glossip.

This four-part series, directed by Joe Berlinger, explores in-depth the legal proceedings and events surrounding the case. It documents interviews with witnesses, legal experts, family members, and Glossip himself, each sharing their own perspective on the case, which has evolved into a legal labyrinth of appeals and stays of execution. The docu-series aims to leave audiences questioning Glossip’s guilt or innocence, thereby engaging in an exploration of the American judicial system and how it might sometimes fail those in its hands.

One of the main narratives of the series is the potential miscarriage of justice perpetrated by the American legal system. Glossip's story is shared as an embodiment of deeper issues regarding the death penalty – issues of inequity, manipulation, and systemic failure in the approach to justice. The series takes on the mammoth task of not only dissecting the ins and outs of Glossip's case but inviting audiences to critically evaluate the judicial system that underpins American society.

The series uses an array of storytelling techniques to effectively weave the narrative. It employs dramatic re-enactments that capture the tension and gravity of the original events, yet also incorporates interviews that provide the viewer with first-person accounts of the story as it unfolded. It provides an extensive examination of the details of the case from Glossip's arrest to his ensuing trials. It also incorporates larger cultural and social contexts into the narrative, analyzing how public perceptions and systemic biases potentially influenced the case’s outcome.

Skilled director Joe Berlinger masterfully balances storytelling with fact-finding, presenting complex legal arguments with clarity and maintaining the high-stakes drama throughout. With a resume that includes gripping, high-profile cases such as Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills and The Ted Bundy Tapes, Berlinger's expertise undoubtedly plays a significant role in making the series so compelling.

While the series heavily focuses on Richard Glossip's case, it also manages to convey profound messages about the U.S. criminal justice system without choosing sides. It provides room for the audience to draw its own conclusions, prompting critical thinking along the way.

To add to the complexity, the series takes a deep look into the controversial role of the death penalty in American justice. Through its impartial and comprehensive narrative, Killing Richard Glossip ignites a conversation about capital punishment and its drastic implications and makes viewers ponder if such a permanent resolution is worth it amid potential missteps and uncertainties.

An underlying theme in the series is the personal effect the case has had on those involved. From Glossip’s loved ones, who steadfastly believe in his innocence, to the family of the murder victim who seeks closure, the viewer sees firsthand the tremendous human toll this case has taken.

Whether you are an enthusiast of true crime, interested in the U.S. justice system, or intrigued by uncovering potential wrongful convictions, Killing Richard Glossip makes for essential viewing. The well-produced series impressively uncovers the facets of a contentious case and prompts honest dialogue about broader societal issues. It leaves no stone unturned, discussing everything from the specific details of Glossip's trials to the broader, all-encompassing debates about capital punishment in American jurisprudence.

Killing Richard Glossip is a series that ran for 1 seasons (4 episodes) between April 17, 2017 and on ID